Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad Healthy Recipe

Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad Healthy Recipe

Summer vegetable pasta salad is a delicious healthy pasta salad that is gluten free and vegan. Plant-based pasta and in-season vegetables help to make this dish bright and delicious!

It’s almost summer and who doesn’t love summer picnic food? Classic pasta salad is one of my favorite summer picnic dishes! In fact, I could eat just pasta salad and be quite content. But, if you’re looking for a more healthy pasta salad, maybe one you could even feed your family during the week, this gluten free and vegan pasta salad is it!

Now, I wouldn’t necessarily tell your family that it’s a healthy pasta salad, gluten free or vegan-friendly. For some reason when kids and hubbies know that things are healthy they tend to give food the side eye. Without knowing it’s good for them, I’m betting the bright colors of the summer vegetables like radishes, peas, peppers and tomatoes will catch their eye!

How to Make Pasta Salad

In-Season Vegetables and Fruits for the Summer

I love to create dinners that use in-season ingredients. When you use produce from the season you can ensure better quality and freshness! Shopping for in-season produce will also help you to eat healthy on a budget. One tip I try to follow during the summer is grabbing in-season produce when it’s on sale!

For example, cherries are one of my favorite fruits, but they can be very expensive. I like to keep an eye on my local grocery store for when they have a special price on cherries. Usually for one or two weeks in June I can get cherries for a deep discount. I usually pick those up then and even freeze some for use later in the year.

Here is a list of some in season vegetables for June, July and August. Before you head out to the farmer’s market, check out this Summer Produce Guide by Saveur.

What Vegetables are In-Season in June?

Arugula

Beets

Cabbage

Carrots

Cucumbers

Green Beans

Garlic

Green Beans

Kale

Leeks-Onions

Peas

Radishes

Spinach

What Vegetables are In-Season in July?

Arugula

Beans

Beets

Bell Peppers

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrots

Cauliflower

Collard Greens

Corn

Cucumbers

Eggplant

Peas

Potatoes

Radishes

Radicchio

Spinach

Summer Squash

Tomatoes

Zucchini

What Vegetables are In-Season in August?

Beets

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrots

Cauliflower

Green Beans

Herbs

Kale

Leeks

Onions

Peppers

Potatoes

Radicchio

Summer Squash

Tomatoes

Zucchini

You can really use any of these veggies in the summer vegetable pasta salad. One yummy variation would be to create a grilled vegetable salad using zucchini, eggplant and summer squash like this one from Soulfully Made.

Other Summer Salad Recipes You May Like

Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad Recipe

This healthy pasta salad is perfect to take to summer picnics and potlucks. I layered mine in a trifle bowl so you could see all of the different veggies. Topped with radishes and fresh parsley makes this veggie pasta salad a delicious and beautiful presentation!

Vinaigrette Ingredients

Instructions

Vinaigrette Instructions

Combine all vinaigrette ingredients into a small mason jar. Shake until incorporated and set aside.

Salad Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions.

While pasta is cooking, clean and prepare all veggies. Once pasta is done cooking, drain in a colander and run cold water to cool pasta down. Place pasta in a large bowl and stir with 1/4 cup of the vinaigrette. Sprinkle pasta with 1 TB of the seasoning and stir.

Layer the salad in this order, making sure to drizzle 1 tsp of the vinaigrette over each layer.